Donbas in the Crucible of War: will there be Human Potential for the Restoration of the Region

The article analyzes the state and problems of reproduction of human potential of Donbas regions in conditions of hybrid and full-scale war. It has been established that as a result of the armed conflict unleashed by Russia in 2014 and the occupation of part of the territories of Donbas, Donetsk and Luhansk regions suffered significant economic and human losses. During 2014-2021, the conditions for the reproduction of human potential deteriorated, so there was a steady decrease in the population of the regions and a deterioration in its age structure. During the full-scale war that began in February 2022, Donbas found itself in the zone of the most intense hostilities. As a result, the basic socio-economic conditions of life and reproduction of the human potential of the region have actually been destroyed. The losses and destruction of Donetsk region during the year of full-scale war are systematized. It is concluded that a demographic, humanitarian and environmental catastrophe literally unfolded in the Donbas. There is an intensive depopulation of these territories. Large-scale destruction of housing, educational and social infrastructure threatens the ability of these regions to reproduce human assets in the short and medium term post-war period. The loss of human potential of Donbas regions will be the main obstacle to the restoration and modernization of the regional economy.